Translation guide
The English term "dead body" refers to a deceased human or animal. In Japanese, the appropriate word depends heavily on context, formality, and the relationship to the deceased. This guide covers the most common and useful expressions for learners.
To refer to a dead body in a neutral, factual way, without strong emotional or formal connotations.
The most common and general word for a dead body, used for both humans and animals. It is neutral and can be used in everyday conversation, news, and literature.
公園で死体が見つかった。
A dead body was found in the park.
死体を解剖する。
To dissect a dead body.
A more respectful term for a dead body, typically used for humans. It is common in formal contexts, news reports, and when referring to the deceased with some reverence.
遺体は家族に引き渡された。
The body was handed over to the family.
遺体安置所
morgue / place where bodies are kept
To refer to a dead body in the context of crime, investigation, or when emphasizing the physical remains.
Often used for animal carcasses or human corpses in a more stark, sometimes graphic context. It can appear in crime reports or when discussing remains.
動物の死骸が道に落ちていた。
An animal carcass was lying on the road.
死体遺棄事件
case of abandoning a corpse
A literary or dramatic word for a corpse, often used in poetry, historical texts, or to evoke a strong image. Not used in everyday conversation.
To refer to the dead person with respect, often in legal, medical, or condolence contexts.
Refers to the deceased person, not just the body. It is respectful and used in obituaries, funerals, and when speaking about someone who has passed away.
故人の遺志を尊重する。
To respect the wishes of the deceased.
故人を偲ぶ会
memorial gathering for the deceased
A poetic and respectful term for the remains of a deceased person, often used in literature or formal speeches. It emphasizes the body left behind by the departed soul.
To specifically refer to the dead body of an animal.
The standard term for an animal carcass. It can also be used for humans in certain contexts, but for animals it is the most direct word.
猫の死骸を埋める。
To bury a cat's carcass.
This is the same as 死体 but can be used for animals as well. However, 死骸 is more common for animals.
死体 is the general, neutral term for a dead body (human or animal). 遺体 is more respectful and used for humans in formal contexts. 死骸 often implies a carcass or a corpse in a stark, sometimes unpleasant sense, and is common for animals. Choose based on the level of respect and context.
ニュースでは「遺体」と言うことが多い。
News reports often use 'itai' (respectful term).
道端に犬の死骸があった。
There was a dog carcass by the road.
In casual conversation, directly saying 死体 might sound blunt or insensitive. Often, Japanese speakers use euphemisms or refer to the person by name/title even after death, or use phrases like 亡くなった人 (the person who passed away). Only use 死体 when the physical body is the specific topic.
彼はもう亡くなった。
He has already passed away. (Not: He is a dead body.)
戦場には屍が積み重なっていた。
Corpses were piled up on the battlefield.
亡骸を棺に納める。
To place the body into the coffin.
To dispose of wild animal carcasses.